Topic: African-American Issues

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How 5 young black men see the Trayvon Martin case

The Monitor approached, at random, five young black men in Boston, Los Angeles, Coral Gables, Fla., and Louisville, Ky., and asked them to talk about the Trayvon Martin case, race relations, hoodies, and, of course, their own life experiences. Here's what they had to say.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 10 quotes on his birthday

To celebrate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's birthday, here are some of his most memorable quotes.
From Wilt Chamberlain to Jeremy Lin: 10 NBA 'firsts'

Jeremy Lin's rise on the NBA radar provides the impetus to look back at Wilt Chamberlain's highest-scoring game and nine other NBA 'firsts.'
Rick Santorum: Top 7 culture war moments

As a senator, Rick Santorum was one of the Republican Party's best-known culture warriors. Now, as a surging presidential contender, Mr. Santorum is still leading the charge, and facing questions about some of his old, and not so old, comments. Here is a sample.
Black History Month: Five major events and figures

Black History Month is the annual celebration of the struggles, achievements and overall contribution African-Americans have made to the US.

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Trayvon Martin case: Online fund for George Zimmerman now being tapped

Some $50,000 from an online defense fund for suspect George Zimmerman has been tapped to cover his living expenses and security, pending trial. He pleaded not guilty this week to second-degree murder in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.
Obama, North Carolina at odds on gay marriage: Will it cost him the state? (+video)

Obama announced his support for gay marriage a day after North Carolina, which he won narrowly in 2008, voted for a constitutional ban on such unions. The Democratic convention is in Charlotte, but that's no guarantee.
Florida A&M hazing: Charges could clip violent traditions (+video)

Florida A&M hazing case might be paving the way for a new era of reform. On Wednesday, 13 individuals were charged in the hazing death of FAMU drum major Robert Champion last November.
Stand Your Ground law: Florida review panel to draw wide scrutiny

Florida's review of its controversial Stand Your Ground law began Tuesday. Spurred by the Trayvon Martin shooting, it is the first comprehensive look at the effect of such laws, which 24 other states have copied.
Trayvon Martin case: sparks of racial violence appear

Police report isolated incidents of blacks attacking whites in the name of 'justice for Trayvon Martin.' The incidents are rare, but they indicate frustrations in the African-American community.
Twenty years later, Rodney King riots still resonate

South Los Angeles has calmed, but memories still remain.
Rodney King riots anniversary: Have race relations in Los Angeles improved?

This Sunday marks the 20th anniversary of the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. Some black community activists see significant progress, but others see a long way to go.
George Zimmerman: Social justice activist with a gun?

George Zimmerman, charged with the murder of teenager Trayvon Martin, stood up for the downtrodden and wanted to become a magistrate judge to help society. How does this square with depictions of him as a racist vigilante?
Dick Clark: how a tax-accountant look-alike changed American music

Dick Clark understood how to introduce African-American performers and their music to a post-civil rights society still fraught with racial tensions. Basically, Dick Clark brought rock 'n' roll to America's living rooms.
Why Trayvon Martin judge is stepping down already

Judge Jessica Recksiedler disclosed a potential conflict of interest. Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. will take over the Trayvon Martin case
Pulitzer Prize for history, but not for fiction

The late Manning Marable won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for history, honored for a Malcolm X book. But no Pulitzer Prize was awarded for fiction.
Trayvon Martin case a trial by fire for rookie Sanford mayor

For about a month, Mayor Jeff Triplett labored to keep a lid on an explosive situation in Sanford, Fla., after local police released George Zimmerman, who fatally shot teenager Trayvon Martin. The mayor emerged intact, but not unchanged.
Trayvon Martin case: Relief, hope in Sanford, Fla., after Zimmerman charged

With second-degree murder charges filed Wednesday against George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin case, residents in Sanford, Fla., scene of the alleged crime, perceive that a crisis has passed.
George Zimmerman charged in Trayvon Martin case: Why now, and what next?

George Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Trayvon Martin. Florida’s Stand Your Ground law could loom large moving forward.
Trayvon Martin case: George Zimmerman speaks out via website (+video)

On a website that went live over the weekend, George Zimmerman, who shot unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin on Feb. 26 during an altercation, offers a glimpse of how his life has changed.
Tulsa shootings suspects appear in court, bail set at over $9 million apiece

Jake England, 19, and Alvin Watts, 32, appeared via closed-circuit television from jail. Both are being held on suspicion of three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of shooting with the intent to kill and one count of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. They will be formally charged at a later date.
How 5 young black men see the Trayvon Martin case

The Monitor approached, at random, five young black men in Boston, Los Angeles, Coral Gables, Fla., and Louisville, Ky., and asked them to talk about the Trayvon Martin case, race relations, hoodies, and, of course, their own life experiences. Here's what they had to say.
Amid Trayvon Martin case, Obama hosts screening of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

On Thursday night, President Obama introduces a screening of 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' released 50 years ago. With emotions high over the Trayvon Martin killing, is this a teachable moment on race?
Chapter & Verse
'The Snowy Day' celebrates its 50th anniversary

Fifty years after the publication of 'The Snowy Day' with its young African American protagonist, there's still a surprising lack of diversity in children's books.
Trayvon Martin: the crime of being black, male, and wearing a hoodie

Whatever happens to neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman, the dialogue on race must go on. Media perpetually associate criminality with black males. Legislators criminalize black dress. And the criminal justice system disproportionately penalizes black men and boys.
Trayvon Martin case: US could bring hate crime charge against George Zimmerman

The Justice Department could bring a hate crime charge against George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin if there is sufficient evidence the slaying was motivated by racial bias.
Who is George Zimmerman, and why did he shoot Trayvon Martin?

George Zimmerman, the Florida neighborhood watch captain who shot unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin, wanted to be a police officer and mentored an African-American boy. Is he a vigilante or, as one neighbor said, 'a good dude'?
Where's the Trayvon Martin petition about gun control?

Protesters back a petition to prosecute George Zimmerman for fatally shooting unarmed Trayvon Martin. We need to ask whether 'Stand Your Ground' measures make people trigger-happy. And we need to think about the most common victims of lax gun laws: African Americans.
Trayvon Martin case shows evolving influence of black community

The black community – from actors to journalists – has played a crucial role in keeping the Trayvon Martin case in the public spotlight, media analysts say.
Anti-Obama slogans with racist slants on the rise in Election 2012

The 2008 election was not devoid of racist anti-Obama sentiment, but racial slurs and offensive slogans seem to be balder this time – from a racially derogatory joke circulated by a US judge to crude bumper stickers.